As the boxing world slowly transitions to having fewer world champions in each weight class, September 24 will see a new unified lightweight champion.
WBC Lightweight Champion Jorge Linares and WBA Lightweight Champion Anthony Crolla will meet in Manchester with the WBA, WBC and the vacant The Ring lightweight title.
During a media workout session, Linares said that he is excited for the chance to fight in Crolla's birth town of Manchester.
"It's a special night," Linares said. "It'll be a war, and that's what we're prepared for. It's something very special what Crolla and I are doing, it's something we love to do, and we're proud representing. That's what's going to steal the show and give the fans a beautiful fight."
As far as any trash talk between the two, it's almost nonexistent. Both fighters have a lot of admiration for each other, but Crolla believes he can handle anything that Linares throws at him.
"He likes to fight at his pace and I can't allow that," Crolla said. "I don't want to give too much away, but I've got to take advantage of some weaknesses that I think I've seen there. I'm confident I can do that. I've got to be switched on from the opening bell. He's a very good counter-puncher, so I know I can't be lazy at any stage. But I genuinely believe I'll have an answer for whatever he shows me."
This is the third straight title defense both fighters have. Crolla won the title back in July 2015, and Linares won his title back in December 2014.
